Graeme Joy's Ten Keys to Success

“When we all believe, we can reach our North Pole together.” Graeme Joy.

Leading the Winners, Graeme Joy

1. TEAM VISION: The Vision ThingCheck your team vision statement: the real value lies in the understanding and agreement of all team members. A commonly made mistake is to assume that all members understand and agree with the team vision simply because it exists.

2. LEADERSHIPTrue greatness in leadership shows when you empower your team and they feel they have achieved the goal themselves. Real leadership is earned through respect, not demanded.

3. MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALSThey are the real powerhouses of your team; give them room to perform and do not be guilty of stifling their drive. Also, increase their team skills so they can be productive team members where it gets the best results.

4. FEAR CAN BE POSITIVE: The Polar BearsWe all have Polar Bears in our lives. The fear of being eaten by one may not be pleasant but it can be a great motivator to pay attention to detail and go faster. Be careful, however: too much fear is paralysing.

5. CONFLICT RESOLUTIONRecognise the need for expressions of discontent, blaming and even anger. Success lies in moving beyond blame to analysis of the problem and working together to solve it.

6. GOALSGoals are the stepping stones to success and achieving the vision. They make it possible for people to pace themselves. We can find it tiring and difficult to focus on the "big picture" constantly.

7. NURTURE DIFFERENCESNurture the differences in your team members. They are your most valuable asset. Give them skills to understand their differences and how they strengthen the team. Avoid the ‘why can't you do it like me syndrome’: it weakens both team and individual performance.

8. TEAMWORKThe informed High Performance Team accepts responsibility for success and failure equally. The team seeks out its strengths and maximises them. They do not look for scapegoats at whom to direct blame.

9. PLANNING AND PREPARATIONPlan well and communicate your plans across the team. Comprehensive plans are the building blocks for success and solving problems. Be prepared to review and modify your plans as you progress.

10. PROBLEM SOLVINGSolve problems when they begin. Do not let them deteriorate into issues which develop negative perspectives. When problems remain unsolved, team members can begin to focus on the negative and reduce their participation.

Graeme Joy is the first and only Australian to ski to both the North Pole and the Magnetic North Pole. Real, valuable and transferable experience in leadership and teamwork is profound on successful expeditions.